STATEMENT Regarding U.S. Ban on Argentinean Beef Imports by the NCBA

"NCBA supports the USDA decision to stop U.S. imports of beef from Argentina until a Foot and Mouth Disease incident is more widely understood. The quick response by USDA to halt Argentinean beef imports, and the notification that Argentina provided to the United States, shows the system is working.

"Beef producing and exporting countries must keep working together to eradicate FMD. Canada also has halted imports of beef from Argentina, and Argentina has agreed to voluntarily withdraw from exporting to other countries in the Western Hemisphere.

"Argentinean officials have said that two cattle out of a herd of 10 imported from Paraguay carried FMD viral antibodies. Argentina has been eligible to ship to the United States fresh, chilled and frozen beef from regions declared free of FMD since 1997.

"The United States has set Argentina’s import quota at 20,000 metric tons. So far this year, the country has filled about half the quota. Before this incident, the country was expected to fill the quota.

"NCBA supports all measures to ensure the health of the U.S. cattle herd and will continue to work closely with USDA to ensure this country’s cattle herd remains protected from the potential introduction of FMD, from Argentina or any other country. NCBA will continue to urge that all countries use sound science as a base for trade."

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Producer-directed and consumer-focused, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association is the  trade association of America’s cattle farmers and ranchers, and the marketing organization for the largest segment of the nation’s food and fiber industry.